Mental Health Support Expanded for East Texas A&M Students

Two people sit sin chairs, representing a counseling session. Their faces are not in the frame. The photo shows the counselor writing on her notepad in the background and the patient with her hands clasped together on her lap in the foreground.

The Fellowship in Clinical Case Management aims to enhance mental health support for East Texas A&M students.

East Texas A&M University is pleased to announce the Jeremy and Molly Fernandes Fellowship in Clinical Case Management, made possible by a generous gift from donors Jeremy and Molly Fernandes. The fellowship aims to enhance mental health support for East Texas A&M students.

Improving mental health support for students

The fellowship will fund a clinical case manager position at the East Texas A&M Counseling Center for the next three years. Yvonne Posada has been appointed as the inaugural Fernandes Fellow, effective July 9, 2024. In her position, Posada provides supplemental support to the Counseling Center's current staff, working to improve mental health outcomes for students. Posada is targeting several initiatives, including:

  • Expanding partnerships with on-campus student services to increase resources and support.
  • Developing preventive programs that address substance use and other critical issues.
  • Serving as a primary point of contact for referrals to licensed clinicians and treatment facilities.

Counseling Center Director Adam Metts explained that Posada's position is vital. Studies show that case managers practicing in a university counseling center help manage severe mental health challenges among students.

“The clinical case manager's role is essential, acting as a bridge between students and the resources they need,” Metts said. “The position provides continuity of care, coordinates treatment, and offers critical follow-up, ensuring no student falls through the cracks.”

Prepared to serve

Posada brings a wealth of experience and a holistic approach to her role. An East Texas A&M alumna, Posada holds Bachelor, Master, and Business of Social Work degrees from ETAMU's School of Social Work.

Her background includes working with U.S. military families in Germany and England. Additionally, she has developed community social work programs in the Texoma region and has conducted vital research on rural health in Fannin County. Her expertise will enable her to address the diverse mental health needs of East Texas A&M students.

“This role spoke to me because it offers opportunities to make meaningful contributions that impact the next generation of young adults and families,” Posada said. “I get to witness life transformations!”

A shared passion for mental health awareness

Lion donors Jeremy and Molly Fernandes are committed to raising mental health awareness. Motivated to make a difference, the couple focused on mental health initiatives at East Texas A&M and other institutions. During a 2023 visit to campus, the couple met with staff and students to better understand the university’s specific needs.

Although Jeremy and Molly did not attend East Texas A&M, Jeremy's parents, Gary and Sandra Fernandes, are former students and university legacy donors. This family connection inspired Jeremy and Molly to establish the university’s inaugural Fellowship in Clinical Case Management.

Devin Girod, vice president for Philanthropy and Engagement at East Texas A&M, commended the Fernandes' unwavering commitment to transforming students' lives beyond the classroom.

“Molly and Jeremy's passion for health and wellness will help the university more effectively address students' holistic needs,” Girod said. “By establishing the Fernandes Fellowship in Clinical Case Management, they have expanded the services of our Counseling Center, prioritizing our students’ well-being so they can thrive both academically and personally.”

Learn more about student mental health support at the East Texas A&M Counseling Center.

Featured Photo: Adobe Stock